# Increased prevalence of autoantibodies neutralizing IFNλ2/3 in young individuals with cystic fibrosis

## TL;DR

A study finds that a high percentage of young cystic fibrosis patients have autoantibodies that block interferon-λ2/3, which may worsen respiratory issues and allergies.

## Contribution

The study reports a significantly higher prevalence of IFNλ2/3 autoantibodies in cystic fibrosis patients compared to controls.

## Key findings

- 11.8% of cystic fibrosis patients had neutralizing IFNλ2/3 autoantibodies, over 10 times higher than in controls.
- Plasmas with these autoantibodies increased respiratory virus replication in lab tests.
- The autoantibodies were linked to allergic rhinitis in patients.

## Abstract

Groen et al. identify neutralizing interferon-λ2/3 autoantibodies in 11.8% of individuals with cystic fibrosis, a greater than 10-fold higher prevalence than in control individuals. Autoantibody-containing plasmas enhanced respiratory virus replication in vitro, and associated with allergic rhinitis in patients, suggesting that interferon-λ2/3 autoantibodies have the potential to impact mucosal pathology.

Neutralizing interferon-λ2/3 autoantibodies are identified in 11.8% of individuals with cystic fibrosis, >10-fold the prevalence in controls. Autoantibody-containing plasmas enhance respiratory virus replication in vitro and associate with allergic rhinitis in patients, suggesting that interferon-λ2/3 autoantibodies may impact mucosal pathology.